Adapters for communication between power tools

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems are provided for a power tool in control of a vacuum. In response to activation input, the power tool controls a motor for driving power tool operation and wirelessly transmits a control signal to a vacuum. In response to receiving the control signal, the vacuum controls a motor for driving operation of the vacuum. The power tool, the vacuum, or both include a wireless communication pairing butting for paring the power tool and the vacuum. The power tool and/or the vacuum may be cordless and powered by a battery pack.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application makes reference to, claims priority to, and claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/528,631,filed on Jul. 5, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate to power tools. More specifically,embodiments described herein relate to a power tool in communicationwith a vacuum.

SUMMARY

The ability to activate or deactivate a tool in response to theactivation or deactivation of another tool can hold several potentialbenefits for a user. For example, a vacuum activating automatically inresponse to an activation of a saw or drill motor can improve dustremoval in a working environment and reduce user fatigue and effort tomanually enable the vacuum. Some embodiments enable detection ofactivation of a first tool, wireless communication of signals indicatingthe activation of the first tool, and responsive activation of a secondtool. Some embodiments enable detection of deactivation of a first tool,wireless communication of signals indicating the deactivation of thefirst tool, and responsive deactivation of a second tool. Someembodiments include the use of one or more removably coupledcommunication adapters to enable the detection, wireless communication,and activation/deactivation, which enables user customization oftool-to-tool interactions across a variety of tools.

In some embodiments, a system is provided for a power tool in control ofa vacuum operation. The system includes a power tool having a power toolactivation input, a first power interface, a first motor for drivingoperation of the power tool, a first wireless communication hardware,and a first pairing button. A first electronic controller includes afirst electronic processor that is communicatively coupled to a firstmemory, the power tool activation input, the first motor, and the firstwireless communication hardware. The system also has a vacuum thatincludes a vacuum power enable input, a second power interface, a secondmotor for driving operation of the vacuum, a second wirelesscommunication hardware, and a second pairing button for wirelesslypairing the vacuum and the power tool for wireless communication. Thevacuum also has a second electronic controller including a secondelectronic processor that is communicatively coupled to a second memory,the vacuum enable input, the second motor, the second wirelesscommunication hardware, and the pairing button. The vacuum furtherincludes a suction inlet connectable to the power tool. The first memoryof the power tool includes instructions that when executed by the firstelectronic processor cause the first electronic processor to, inresponse to input received via the power tool activation input, controlthe first motor for driving operation of the power tool and transmit acontrol signal via the first wireless communication hardware to thevacuum. The second memory of the vacuum includes instructions that whenexecuted by the second electronic processor cause the second electronicprocessor to, in response to receiving the control signal via the secondwireless communication hardware of the vacuum, control the second motor.

In some embodiments, a method is provided for a power tool in control ofa vacuum operation. The method includes, in response to actuation of apairing button of a vacuum, broadcasting, by the vacuum, a pairingidentification signal; detecting, by the power tool, the pairingidentification signal; and pairing, by the vacuum and the power tool,based on detecting the pairing identification signal. In response toreceiving input via a power tool activation input, a first electronicprocessor of the power tool controls a first motor for driving operationof the power tool, and transmits a control signal via a first wirelesscommunication hardware to a vacuum, wherein the first electronicprocessor is communicatively coupled to a first memory. In response toreceiving the control signal via a second wireless communicationhardware of the vacuum, a second electronic processor of the vacuumcontrols a second motor for driving operation of the vacuum, wherein thesecond electronic processor is communicatively coupled to a secondmemory.

In some embodiments, a system is provided for controlling operation of asecond electronic tool in response to communication from a firstelectronic tool. The system includes a first electronic tool thatincludes a user input, a first motor for driving operation of the firstelectronic tool, first wireless communication hardware, and a firstelectronic controller. The first electronic controller includes a firstelectronic processor that is communicatively coupled to a first memory,the first tool activation input, the first motor, and the first wirelesscommunication hardware. The system further includes a second electronictool that includes a second electronic tool power enable input, a secondmotor for driving operation of the second electronic tool, a secondwireless communication hardware, a pairing button for wirelessly pairingthe second electronic tool and the first electronic tool for wirelesscommunication. The second electronic tool further includes a secondelectronic controller including a second electronic processor that iscommunicatively coupled to a second memory, the second tool power enableinput, the second motor, the second wireless communication hardware, andthe pairing button. In response to input received via the first userinput, the first electronic processor controls the first motor fordriving operation of the first electronic tool and transmits a signal tothe second electronic tool. In response to receiving the signal via thesecond wireless communication hardware of the second electronic tool,the second electronic processor controls the second motor for drivingoperation of the second electronic tool.

In some embodiments, a first method for tool-to-tool communication isprovided that includes detecting, by a first controller of a firstcommunication adapter, operation of a first electronic tool. In responseto the detection, the controller broadcasts an activation signal. Asecond controller of a second communication adapter detects theactivation signal broadcast by the first controller. In response to thedetection of the activation signal, the second communication adaptercontrols a second electronic tool.

In some embodiments, a second method for tool-to-tool communication isprovided that includes detecting, by a first controller of a firstcommunication adapter, deactivation of a first electronic tool. Inresponse to the detection, the controller broadcasts a deactivationsignal. A second controller of a second communication adapter detectsthe deactivation signal broadcast by the first controller. In responseto the detection of the deactivation signal, the second communicationadapter controls a second electronic tool.

In some embodiments, the second method is executed following the firstmethod, such that the step of detecting, by the first controller,deactivation of the first electronic tool occurs subsequent to the stepof controlling, by the second communication adapter, the secondelectronic tool in response to detection of the activation signal.

In some embodiments, a first tool-to-tool communication system isprovided that includes a first electronic tool system having a firstelectronic tool and a first communication adapter removably coupled to apower interface of the first electronic tool, and a second electronictool system having a second electronic tool and a second communicationadapter. A first controller of the first communication adapter isconfigured to detect operation of the first electronic tool and, inresponse to the detection, broadcast an activation signal. A secondcontroller of the second communication adapter is configured to detectthe activation signal broadcast by the first controller. In response tothe detection of the activation signal, the second communication adaptercontrols the second electronic tool.

In some embodiments, the first controller of the first communicationadapter is configured to detect deactivation of the first electronictool and, in response to the detection, broadcast a deactivation signal.Additionally, the second controller of the second communication adapteris configured to detect the deactivation signal broadcast by the firstcontroller. In response to the detection of the deactivation signal, thesecond communication adapter controls the second electronic tool.

In some embodiments, a second tool-to-tool communication system isprovided that includes a first electronic tool system having a firstelectronic tool and a first communication adapter removably coupled to apower interface of the first electronic tool, and a second electronictool system having a second electronic tool and a second communicationadapter. A first controller of the first communication adapter isconfigured to detect deactivation of the first electronic tool and, inresponse to the detection, broadcast a deactivation signal. A secondcontroller of the second communication adapter is configured to detectthe deactivation signal broadcast by the first controller. In responseto the detection of the deactivation signal, the second communicationadapter controls the second electronic tool.

In some embodiments of the above systems, the second communicationadapter is removably coupled to a power interface of the secondelectronic tool, such as a battery pack interface or an alternatingcurrent (AC) power cord. In some embodiments, the second communicationadapter is integrated into the second electronic tool, for example,electrically between a power interface of the second electronic tool anda load of the second electronic tool.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a tool-to-tool communication system.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example first electronic tool of the system ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 2B illustrates a block diagram of an example first electronic toolof the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example first electronic tool of the systemof FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate examples of a second electronic tool systemof the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a first tool-to-tool communication adapter of thesystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second tool-to-tool communication adapter of thesecond electronic tool system of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method of tool-to-tool communication.

FIG. 8 illustrates another method of tool-to-tool communication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are described and illustrated in the followingdescription and accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not limitedto the specific details provided herein and may be modified in variousways. Furthermore, other embodiments may exist that are not describedherein. Also, the functionality described herein as being performed byone component may be performed by multiple components in a distributedmanner. Likewise, functionality performed by multiple components may beconsolidated and performed by a single component. Similarly, a componentdescribed as performing particular functionality may also performadditional functionality not described herein. For example, a device orstructure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in atleast that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.Furthermore, some embodiments described herein may include one or moreelectronic processors configured to perform the described functionalityby executing instructions stored in non-transitory, computer-readablemedium. Similarly, embodiments described herein may be implemented asnon-transitory, computer-readable medium storing instructions executableby one or more electronic processors to perform the describedfunctionality. As used in the present application, “non-transitorycomputer-readable medium” comprises all computer-readable media but doesnot consist of a transitory, propagating signal. Accordingly,non-transitory computer-readable medium may include, for example, a harddisk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, aROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), register memory, aprocessor cache, or any combination thereof.

In addition, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Forexample, the use of “including,” “containing,” “comprising,” “having,”and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listedthereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Theterms “connected” and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass bothdirect and indirect connecting and coupling. Further, “connected” and“coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections orcouplings and can include electrical connections or couplings, whetherdirect or indirect. In addition, electronic communications andnotifications may be performed using wired connections, wirelessconnections, or a combination thereof and may be transmitted directly orthrough one or more intermediary devices over various types of networks,communication channels, and connections. Moreover, relational terms suchas first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used hereinsolely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or actionwithout necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationshipor order between such entities or actions.

FIG. 1 illustrates a tool-to-tool communication system 100. The system100 includes a first electronic tool system 105 and a second electronictool system 110. The first electronic tool system 105 includes a firstelectronic tool 115, a first tool-to-tool communication adapter 120(also referred to as the first adapter or the first communicationadapter 120), and a first power source 125. In some embodiments, thesystem 100 further includes a personal mobile device 128. The firstadapter 120 is configured to be removably coupled to the firstelectronic tool 115 and to the first power source 125. The first adapter120 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the second electronictool system 110 via a wireless communication link 130. Althoughillustrated as a bi-directional communication link, in some embodiments,the wireless communication link 130 is unidirectional either from thefirst adapter 120 to the second electronic tool system 110 or from thesecond electronic tool system 110 to the first adapter 120.Additionally, in some embodiments, first adapter 120 and the secondelectronic tool system 110 are configured to wirelessly communicate,unidirectionally or bidirectionally, with the personal mobile device128.

The first electronic tool 115 is, for example, a power tool, fluid flowcontrol devices, an electronic test and measurement device, a work siteradio, or work flood light. Power tools can include drills, circularsaws, jig saws, band saws, table saws, chop saws, miter saws,reciprocating saws, angle grinders, straight grinders, hammers,multi-tools, impact wrenches, rotary hammers, drill-drivers, hammerdrill-drivers, impact drivers, angle drills, belt sanders, orbitalsanders, planers, pipe cutters, grease guns, vacuum cleaners, outdoorpower equipment (such as blowers, chain saws, edgers, hedge trimmers,lawn mowers, or trimmers), and the like. Electronic test and measurementdevices can include digital multimeters, clamp meters, fork meters, wallscanners, IR thermometers, laser distance meters, laser levels, remotedisplays, insulation testers, moisture meters, thermal imagers,inspection cameras, and the like. Vacuum cleaners can include wet/dryvacuums, dust removal vacuums connectable to power tools (e.g., saws orsanders), stick vacuums, hand vacuums, upright vacuums, carpet cleaners,hard surface cleaners, canister vacuums, broom vacuums, and the like.Fluid flow control devices can include motorized water pumps,electronically controllable water flow valves, and the like.

In some embodiments, the first power source 125 is a removable andrechargeable power tool battery pack operable with a suite of two ormore of power tools, fluid flow control devices, test and measurementdevices, work site radios, and work lights. The power tool battery packincludes a housing within which are one or more battery cells, which maybe lithium ion (“Li-ion”) cells, Nickel-Cadium (“Ni-Cad”) cells, orcells of another chemistry type. The cells, collectively, may providenominal voltages of different values, depending on the pack. Forexample, the power tool battery pack may have a nominal output voltageof 4V, 12V, 18V, 28V, 36V, 40V, or other levels. In some embodiments,the first power source 125 is an alternating current (AC) power source,such as a standard AC outlet coupled to an AC power grid or ACgenerator. For instance, the AC source may include an approximately 120V, 60 Hz power signal or an approximately 240 V, 50 Hz power signal.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of the first electronic tool system 105of FIG. 1. In this example, the first electronic tool 115 is a brushlesshammer drill 115 a having a housing 150, an output unit 165, a trigger175, and a battery interface 180 (also referred to as a powerinterface). The battery interface 180 is configured to receive andelectrically couple to a power tool battery pack, such as someembodiments of the first power source 125 of FIG. 1. However, in theembodiment of FIG. 2A, the first adapter 120 has an interface thatmimics a power tool battery pack and is coupled to the battery interface180, and has another interface that mimics the battery interface 180 andis coupled to the first power source 125 (in the form of a power batterypack). As illustrated, the adapter 120 including an adapter housing 185,which engages the battery interface 180, and the first power source 125includes a pack housing 190, which engages the adapter housing 185.

FIG. 2B illustrates a block diagram 200 of the first electronic tool 115a, which includes the power interface 180, field effect transistors(FETs) 205, a motor 210, output unit 212, Hall sensors 215, a motorcontrol unit 220, user input 225, and other components 230 (battery packfuel gauge, work lights (LEDs), current/voltage sensors, etc.). The Hallsensors 215 provide motor information feedback, such as motor rotationalposition information, which can be used by the motor control unit 220 todetermine motor position, velocity, and/or acceleration. The motorcontrol unit 220 receives user controls from user input 225, such as bydepressing the trigger 175 or shifting a forward/reverse selector of thefirst electronic tool 115. In response to the motor information feedbackand user controls, the motor control unit 220 transmits control signalsto accurately control the FETs 205 to drive the motor 210. Byselectively enabling and disabling the FETs 205, power from the powerinterface 180 is selectively applied to the motor 210 to cause rotationof a rotor of the motor 210. The rotating rotor of the motor 210 drivesthe output unit 165. Although not shown, the motor control unit 220 andother components of the first electronic tool 115 are electricallycoupled to and receive power from the power interface 180. The FETs 205,motor 210, Hall sensors 215, motor control unit 220, and output unit 165may be referred to as electromechanical components 235 of the firstelectronic tool 115.

Although described with respect to the example of the hammerdrill-driver 115 a of FIG. 2A, the block diagram 200 generally appliesto other embodiments of the first electronic tool 115. For example, theoutput unit 165 in the case of a power saw is a saw blade holder (forexample, an arbor); the output unit 165 in the case of a vacuum is animpeller providing suction force; and the output unit 165 in the case ofa water pump is a pumping mechanism. Further, in some embodiments of thefirst electronic tool 115, a brushed motor is provided as the motor 210to drive the output unit 165. Additionally, some embodiments of thefirst electronic tool 115, such as electronic test and measurementdevices, work flood light embodiments, and water flow control valves, donot include a motor for driving an output device. The block diagram 200is modified for such embodiments. For example, the electromechanicalcomponents 235 are substituted with the appropriate electronics hardwarefor the relevant tool, such as a controller and lighting circuitrycontrolled by the controller (for a work flood light); a controller,sensing circuitry providing sensed data to the controller, and a displaycircuitry controlled by the controller to display the sensed data (foran electronic test and measurement device); or a controller, and a valvecontrolled by the controller (e.g., for a water flow control valve orpump).

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of the first electronic tool system105 of FIG. 1. In this example, the first electronic tool 115 is avacuum 115 b, or dust removal vacuum, having a housing 300, a powerswitch 305 for turning on and off the vacuum, a suction inlet 310, acollection container 315, and a power cord 320 (also referred to as apower interface). The power cord 320 is coupled to the first adapter 120which, in this embodiment, includes a plug 325 extending form theadapter housing 185 and for interfacing with the first power source 125.In this embodiment, the first power source 125 is an AC source. Thediagram 200 of FIG. 2 described above similarly applies to the vacuum115 b. However, the power interface 180, in this example, is an AC powerinterface, such as the power cord 320.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate embodiments of the second electronic toolsystem 110, identified as a second electronic tool system 110 a and asecond electronic tool system 110 b. The second electronic tool system110 a of FIG. 4A includes a second electronic tool 400, a secondtool-to-tool communication adapter 405 (also referred to as the secondadapter or second communication adapter 405), and a second power source410. Similar to the first adapter 120, the second adapter 405 in FIG. 4Aincludes a housing (similar to the housing 185) and is configured to beremovably coupled to the second electronic tool 400 and to the secondpower source 410. The above description of the first adapter 120 and itsengagement with the power tool 115 a and the power source 125, includingas illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 2A and 3, similarlyapply to the second adapter 405 with respect to the second electronictool 400 and the second power source 410. The second adapter 405 is alsoconfigured to wirelessly communicate with the first adapter 120 via thewireless communication link 130 (see FIG. 1).

The second electronic tool 400 is, for example (and like the firstelectronic tool 115), a power tool, a fluid flow control device, anelectronic test and measurement device, a work site radio, or work floodlight. The above description of the first electronic tool 115, includingthe examples listed above and the examples illustrated and describedwith respect to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3, similarly apply to the secondelectronic tool 400.

Similar to the first power source 125, in some embodiments, the secondpower source 410 is a removable and rechargeable power tool battery packoperable with a suite of two or more of power tools, fluid flow controldevices, electronic test and measurement devices, work site radios, andwork lights. Additionally, in some embodiments, the second power source410 is an alternating current (AC) power source, such as a standard ACoutlet coupled to an AC power grid or AC generator.

The second electronic tool system 110 b of FIG. 4B is similar to thesecond electronic tool system 110 a of FIG. 4A, but for the secondadapter 405 being integrated into the second electronic tool 400 ratherthan removably coupled thereto. For example, the second adapter 405 isinstalled within a housing (similar to, for example, the housing 150 ofFIG. 2A or the housing 300 of FIG. 3) of the second electronic tool 400,preventing simple attachment and detachment of the second adapter 405 bya user.

In some embodiments, the first electronic tool system 105 of FIG. 1 issimilar to the second electronic tool system 110 b of FIG. 4B, with thefirst adapter 120 integrated into the first electronic tool 115 ratherthan removably coupled thereto. For example, in contrast to FIG. 2A, thefirst adapter 120 is installed within the housing 150 of the firstelectronic tool 115,115 a, preventing simple attachment and detachmentof the first adapter 120 by a user.

FIG. 5 illustrates the first adapter 120 according to some embodiments.The first adapter 120 includes a power input 505 and a power output 510.The power input 505 includes, for example, electrical terminals forinterfacing with a power source, such as the first power source 125 inthe case of the first adapter 120. In other words, in some embodiments,the power input 505 receives AC power from an AC power source and, inother embodiments, the power input 505 receives DC power from a powertool battery pack.

The first adapter 120 further includes a power switching element 515,such as a FET or relay, and an operational sensor 520, such as a currentor voltage sensor. The operational sensor 520 includes one or moresensors for detecting various operating conditions of a tool coupled tothe power output 510, such as current drawn by the tool, as described infurther detail below. In some instances, the operational sensor 520includes a global positioning satellite (GPS) module to provide alocation of the first adapter 120 or a strength-of-signal sensor inwireless communication with another wireless device, such as the firstelectronic tool 115 or the second electronic tool 400 described above,at a known position, to determine a relative location of the firstadapter 120 with respect to the other wireless device. The powerswitching element 515 and the operational sensor 520 are coupled to acontroller 525.

The controller 525 includes an electronic processor and is furthercoupled to wireless hardware 530, a memory 535, user input 540, and useroutput 545. The wireless hardware 530 is used for wirelesscommunications, such as via the wireless communication link 130 or withthe personal mobile device 128. The wireless hardware 530 may include anantenna and a transceiver for transmitting and receiving wirelesscommunications via the antenna.

The memory 535 includes, among other elements, software that is executedby the electronic processor of the controller 525 to control thefunctions of the first adapter 120 described herein. The user input 540,which may include one or more of an actuating device (e.g., button,etc.), one or more selectors (e.g., pairing/command selector, lightcontrol, etc.), and other input elements (power toggle) to provide usercommands to the controller 525 to indicate how the user desires thefirst adapter 120 to operate. The user output 545 includes one or moreof LEDs, a speaker, a vibrating element, etc. to inform the user of thestatus of the first adapter 120. For instance, if an error occurs, suchas low battery power, first adapter 120 may output an audible alert, anLED may flash, and/or the vibrating element may provide tactile feedbackto the user.

In some embodiments, the first adapter 120 further includes powerregulating and conversion circuitry (not shown) to ensure that the powerprovided to various components of the first adapter 120, the poweroutput 510, or both, are at the appropriate levels.

In some embodiments, the first adapter 120 includes the operationalsensor 520 in addition to the other components illustrated in FIG. 5,but not the power switching element 515. In some embodiments, the firstadapter 120 includes the power switching element 515 in addition to theother components illustrated in FIG. 5, but not the operational sensor520.

FIG. 6 illustrates the second adapter 405 according to some embodiments.The second adapter 405 includes components similar to the first adapter120 and, accordingly, are provided with like names and labels plus 100in FIG. 6, and the above described functions and arrangement of thecomponents of the first adapter 120 in FIG. 5 similarly applies to thesimilarly named components of the second adapter 405 in FIG. 6. Similarto the first adapter 120, in some embodiments, the second adapter 405includes the operational sensor 620 in addition to the other componentsillustrated in FIG. 6, but not the power switching element 615. In someembodiments, the second adapter 405 includes the power switching element615 in addition to the other illustrated in FIG. 6, but not theoperational sensor 620. Thus, in some embodiments, the first adapter 120includes the operational sensor 520, but not the power switching element515, while the second adapter 405 includes the power switching element615, but not the operational sensor 620. Additionally, in someembodiments, the second adapter 405 includes the operational sensor 620,but not the power switching element 615, while the first adapter 120includes the power switching element 515, but not the operational sensor520.

In some embodiments, when the second adapter 405 is integrated into thesecond electronic tool 400, the adapter is inserted between a powerinterface at which power is received from an external power source(e.g., the second power source 410) and a motor or other load (e.g.,lights, displays, sensing devices, radios). For example, with respect tothe diagram 200 of FIG. 2, the second adapter 405 may be insertedbetween the power interface 180 and the FETS 205 such that the powerinput 605 is coupled to the power interface 180 and the power output 610is coupled to the FETs 205.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 of tool-to-tool communication. In someembodiments, the method 700 is implemented with one of the embodimentsof the system 100 of FIG. 1 and, accordingly, the method 700 will bedescribed with respect to the system 100. However, in some embodiments,the method 700 is implemented with other systems. In block 705, thecontroller 525 of the first adapter 120 (also referred to as a sensingadapter) detects operation of the first electronic tool 115. Forexample, in some embodiments, the operational sensor 520 of the firstadapter 120 is a current sensor that detects current drawn from thefirst power source 125 by the first electronic tool 115 when the firstelectronic tool 115 is activated. For example, in response to activationof the first electronic tool 115 (e.g., via a trigger such as thetrigger 175 of FIG. 2 or a power switch such as the power switch 305 ofFIG. 3), the first electronic tool 115 draws current through the firstadapter 120 (via the power input 505 and the power output 510), which issensed by the operational sensor 520 and thereby detected by thecontroller 525 of the first adapter 120. The operational state (i.e.,operating or not operating) of the first electronic tool 115 detected inblock 705 may be referred to as an operational parameter of the firstelectronic tool 115.

In block 710, the controller 525 of the first adapter 120 broadcasts anactivation signal. For example, the controller 525 broadcasts theactivation signal wirelessly via the wireless hardware 530. Theactivation signal may include one or more of an indication of theoperational state of first electronic tool 115 (e.g., indicatingactivation occurred) and a source identifier (e.g., an identity of thefirst adapter 120, an identity of the first electronic tool 115, orboth). In some embodiments, the activation signal is broadcast by thefirst adapter 120 generally without a particular destination identifier.In some embodiments, the activation signal is broadcast by the firstadapter 120 with a destination identifier, such as an identity of thesecond electronic tool system 110, which may be an identity of thesecond adapter 405 or the second electronic tool 410. In someembodiments, the activation signal broadcast by the first adapter 120 istransmitted via an existing communication link between the first adapter120 and the second adapter 405 (e.g., a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectionpreviously established).

In block 715, the controller 625 of the second adapter 405 (alsoreferred to as a switching adapter) detects the activation signalbroadcast by the first adapter 120. For example, the activation signalmay be received by the wireless hardware 630 of the second adapter 405(over the wireless link 130) and forwarded to the controller 625 of thesecond adapter 405. The controller 625, in turn, determines that theactivation signal is from the first electronic tool system 105, forexample, based on a match of the source identifier of the activationsignal with an identifier stored in the memory 635. In the event that anactivation signal is received in block 715 that is from another devicehaving a source identifier that does not match with an identifier storedin the memory 635, the controller 625 may exit the method 700 (i.e.,bypass block 720) or loop back to block 715 to await detection ofanother activation signal. Accordingly, activation signals fromunassociated devices received by the second adapter 405 may bedismissed.

In block 720, the controller 625 of the second adapter 405 controls thesecond electronic tool 400 based on the activation signal detected inblock 715. In some embodiments, controlling the second electronic tool400 in block 720 includes the second adapter 405 activating the secondelectronic tool 400. For example, the controller 625 controls the powerswitching element 615 to an enabled (i.e., closed) state that permitspower to flow from the power input 605 to the power output 610. As anexample, when a power switch, such as the power switch 305 (FIG. 3), ofthe second electronic tool 400 is placed in an on/enabled state inadvance of block 720 (e.g., by a user in a setup stage), enabling thepower switching element 615 in block 720 activates the second electronictool 400 because power is supplied to a load of the second electronictool 400 when the power switching element 615 is enabled. In otherexamples, the controller 625 communicates an activation command to thesecond electronic tool 400 to activate the second electronic tool 400.The activation command may be sent by the controller 625 over the poweroutput 610, via a separate data line between the controller 625 and acontroller of the second electronic tool 400 (e.g., the motor controlunit 220), or via the wireless hardware 630 over a wireless connectionwith the controller of the second electronic tool 400.

As a first example, the first electronic tool 115 is a power tool (e.g.,a saw or sander) that generates dust during operation, and the secondelectronic tool 400 may be a dust collecting vacuum, such as the vacuum115 b (FIG. 3). In this example, the method 700 results in automaticactivation of the dust-collecting vacuum in response to activation ofthe dust-generating power tool. As a second example, the firstelectronic tool 115 is also power tool (e.g., a rotary hammer orconcrete saw) that generates dust during operation, and the secondelectronic tool 400 may be an electronically controllable water valve orpump providing a dust suppressing water flow. In this example, themethod 700 results in automatic activation of the valve or pumpproviding a dust suppressing water flow (e.g., aimed at or near theoutput unit of the first electronic tool 115) in response to activationof the dust-generating power tool.

In some embodiments, controlling the second electronic tool 400 in block720 includes other control actions. Other control actions may includetransmitting a parameter update to the second electronic tool 400 thatadjusts an operational parameter of the second electronic tool 400. Theparameter may be transmitted by the controller 625 over the power output610, via a separate data line between the controller 625 and acontroller of the second electronic tool 400 (e.g., the motor controlunit 220), or via the wireless hardware 630 over a wireless connectionwith the controller of the second electronic tool 400. Example operationparameters that are controlled in block 720 include motor speed, lightlevel, volume level, wireless communication. In a third example, theparameter update may cause a change in a volume parameter of a radioembodiment of the second electronic tool 400. In this example, thevolume parameter may be increased in block 720 such that the method 700results in an increased volume of the radio (the second electronic tool400) in response to activating the first electronic tool 115. Theincreased volume enables a user to more easily hear the audio of theradio despite operation of the first electronic tool 115. In otherexamples, motor speed of the second electronic tool 400 is increased ordecreased; light level of the second electronic tool 400 is increased ordecreased; and wireless communications by the second electronic tool 400are requested (for example, causing the transmission of operational datafrom the second electronic tool 400 to the first electronic tool system105, to the personal mobile device 128, or to another electronicdevice).

In some embodiments, the memory 635 of the second adapter 405 storesinstructions for executing various control actions to be executed inblock 720, where the instructions for particular control actions areassociated with particulars activation signals. Thus, differentactivation signals received (e.g., from different source devices) mayresult in different control actions by the second adapter 405.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 of tool-to-tool communication. In someembodiments, the method 800 is implemented with one of the embodimentsof the system 100 of FIG. 1 and, accordingly, the method 800 will bedescribed with respect to the system 100. However, in some embodiments,the method 800 is implemented with other systems. In some embodiments,the method 700 and the method 800 are performed sequentially such thatthe method 800 begins after block 720 of the method 700. In otherembodiments, the method 800 is performed independently of the method700.

In block 805, the controller 525 of the first adapter 120 detectsdeactivation of the first electronic tool 115. For example, in someembodiments, the operational sensor 520 of the first adapter 120 is acurrent sensor that detects a ceasing of current drawn from the firstpower source 125 by the first electronic tool 115 when the firstelectronic tool 115 is deactivated. For example, in response todeactivation of the first electronic tool 115 (e.g., via a trigger suchas the trigger 175 of FIG. 2 or a power switch such as the power switch305 of FIG. 3), the first electronic tool 115 ceases drawing currentthrough the first adapter 120 (via the power input 505 and the poweroutput 510), which is sensed by the operational sensor 520 and therebydetected by the controller 525 of the first adapter 120.

In block 810, the controller 525 of the first adapter 120 broadcasts adeactivation signal. For example, the controller 525 broadcasts thedeactivation signal wirelessly via the wireless hardware 530. Thedeactivation signal may include one or more of an indication that tooldeactivation occurred and a source identifier (e.g., an identity of thefirst adapter 120, an identity of the first electronic tool 115, orboth). In some embodiments, the deactivation signal is broadcast by thefirst adapter 120 generally without a particular destination identifier.In some embodiments, the deactivation signal is broadcast by the firstadapter 120 with a destination identifier, such as an identity of thesecond electronic tool system 110, which may be an identity of thesecond adapter 405 or the second electronic tool 410. In someembodiments, the deactivation signal broadcast by the first adapter 120is transmitted via an existing communication link between the firstadapter 120 and the second adapter 405 (e.g., a Bluetooth or Wi-Ficonnection previously established).

In block 815, the controller 625 of the second adapter 405 receives thedeactivation signal broadcast by the first adapter 120. For example, thedeactivation signal may be received by the wireless hardware 630 of thesecond adapter 405 (over the wireless link 130) and forwarded to thecontroller 625 of the second adapter 405. The controller 625, in turn,determines that the deactivation signal is from the first electronictool system 105, for example, based on a match of the source identifierof the deactivation signal with an identifier stored in the memory 635.In the event that a deactivation signal is received in block 815 that isfrom another device having a source identifier that does not match withan identifier stored in the memory 635, the controller 625 may exit themethod 800 (i.e., bypass block 820) or loop back to block 815 to awaitdetection of another deactivation signal. Accordingly, the secondadapter 405 may dismiss deactivation signals received from unassociateddevices.

In block 820, the controller 625 of the second adapter 405 controls thesecond electronic tool 400 based on the deactivation signal received. Insome embodiments, controlling the second electronic tool 400 in block820 includes the second adapter 405 deactivating the second electronictool 400. For example, the controller 625 controls the power switchingelement 615 to a disabled (i.e., open) state that prevents power fromflowing from the power input 605 to the power output 610. In otherexamples, the controller 625 communicates a deactivation command to thesecond electronic tool 400 to deactivate the second electronic tool 400.The deactivation command may be sent by the controller 625 over thepower output 610, via a separate data line between the controller 625and a controller of the second electronic tool 400 (e.g., the motorcontrol unit 220), or via the wireless hardware 630 over a wirelessconnection with the controller of the second electronic tool 400.

Returning to the first example, the method 800 results in automaticdeactivation of the dust-collecting vacuum in response to deactivationof the dust-generating power tool (e.g., a saw or sander). Additionally,when the method 700 and 800 are executed sequentially, the methodsresult in the automatic activation and deactivation of thedust-collecting vacuum in response to the activation and deactivation,respectively, of the dust-generating power tool. Returning to the secondexample, the method 800 results in automatic deactivation of the valveor pump providing a dust suppressing water flow (e.g., aimed at or nearthe output unit of the first electronic tool 115) in response todeactivation of the dust-generating power tool. Additionally, when themethod 700 and 800 are executed sequentially, the methods result in theautomatic activation and deactivation of the valve or pump providing adust suppressing waterflow in response to the activation anddeactivation, respectively, of the dust-generating power tool.

In some embodiments, controlling the second electronic tool 400 in block820 includes other control actions. Other control actions may includetransmitting a parameter update to the second electronic tool 400 thatadjusts an operational parameter of the second electronic tool 400. Theparameter may be transmitted by the controller 625 over the power output610, via a separate data line between the controller 625 and acontroller of the second electronic tool 400 (e.g., the motor controlunit 220), or via the wireless hardware 630 over a wireless connectionwith the controller of the second electronic tool 400. Example operationparameters that are controlled in block 720 include motor speed, lightlevel, volume level, wireless communication. For example, the parameterupdate may cause a change in a volume parameter of a radio embodiment ofthe second electronic tool 400. Returning to the third example, thevolume parameter may be decreased in block 820 such that the method 800results in a decreased volume of the radio (the second electronic tool400) in response to deactivating the first electronic tool 115.Additionally, when the method 700 and 800 are executed sequentially, themethods result in the automatic increase and decrease of the radiovolume in response to the activation and deactivation, respectively, ofthe second electronic tool 400.

In some embodiments, the memory 635 of the second adapter 405 storesinstructions for executing various control actions to be executed inblock 820, where the instructions for particular control actions areassociated with particulars deactivation signals. Thus, differentdeactivation signals received (e.g., from different source devices) mayresult in different control actions by the second adapter 405.

In some embodiments, other operational parameters controlled in blocks720 and 820 include an intensity of a light (e.g., of a work floodlight) or a flow rate of water (e.g., for the valve or pump examples).

In some embodiments, in addition or instead of the operational statebeing detected and transmitted in blocks 705 and 710, respectively, ofthe method 700, one or more other operational parameters are detectedand transmitted in method 700. Examples of such other operationalparameters that are detected in block 705 include one or more of motorspeed, current draw, battery level, runtime, light level, user input ontool, wireless communication of tool, and the like. In turn, anindication for each of these one or more other detected operationalparameters is broadcast in block 710 as at least a part of theactivation signal. In some embodiments, the indication is a particularmeasured or calculated amount for the detected operational parameter inblock 705 (e.g., amps drawn or lumens emitted), and, in otherembodiments the indication categorizes the detected operationalparameter. Example categorizations include the operational parameterbeing above a certain threshold, below a certain threshold, within acertain range, and the like. In such embodiments of the method 700 usingone or more other operational parameters in addition or instead of theoperational state, in block 715, the indication of the one or moreoperational parameters is detected by the controller 625 as part of theactivation signal; and, in block 720, the control action is furtherbased on the one or more other operational parameters.

To illustrate some embodiments of the method 700 using one or more otheroperational parameters in addition or instead of the operational state,modified versions of earlier examples are described below. Returning tothe first example, in some embodiments, the activation signal (broadcastblock 710) is configured to indicate an intensity of operation of thefirst electronic tool 115 that is detected in block 705. When the firstelectronic tool 115 is indicated to be operating at high intensity(e.g., based on current draw being above a threshold or a selectedmode), the dust collecting vacuum is controlled (block 720) to operatewith a higher suction force than when the activation signal indicatesthat the first electronic tool 115 is operating at a lower intensity.Returning to the second example, in some embodiments, when theactivation signal indicates that the first electronic tool 115 isoperating at high intensity (e.g., based on current draw being above athreshold or a selected mode), the valve or pump is controlled toprovide a greater water flow than when the activation signal indicatesthat the first electronic tool 115 is operating at a lower intensity.Returning to the third example, when the activation signal indicatesthat the first electronic tool 115 is operating at high intensity (e.g.,based on current draw being above a threshold or a selected mode), thevolume is controlled to increase more than when the activation signalindicates that the first electronic tool 115 is operating at a lowerintensity. In these embodiments, the method 700 may loop back to block705 after block 720 (for example, until deactivation of the firstelectronic tool 115) such that the controller 625 continuously updatescontrols of the second electronic tool 400 based on changing operationalparameters of the first electronic tool 115 sensed by the first adapter120.

Accordingly, in some embodiments of the method 700, block 705 may bedescribed as the first adapter detecting an operational parameter of thefirst electronic tool; block 710 may be referred to as the first adapterbroadcasting an activation signal indicating the operational parameter;block 715 may be referred to as the second adapter detecting theactivation signal indicating the operational parameter; and block 720may be referred to as the second adapter controlling the secondelectronic tool based on the activation signal (or, more particularly,based on the operational parameter).

As noted with respect to block 715 and 815, potential source identifiersmay be stored in the memory 635 of the second adapter 405 forauthorizing received activation and deactivation signals based on theirincluded source identifiers. In some embodiments, the first adapter 120and the second adapter 405 are paired at the time of manufacture suchthat the identity of the first adapter 120 is stored in the memory 635of the second adapter for this authorization.

In some embodiments, the first adapter 120 and the second adapter 405are paired after the point of manufacture by a user in the field. Forexample, the first adapter 120 broadcasts a pairing identificationsignal (e.g., in response to receiving user actuation of a pairingbutton that is part of the user input 540). The second adapter 405detects the pairing identification signal. The second adapter pairs tothe first adapter (e.g., by storing an identity of the second adapter405 in the memory 635 for matching purposes in block 715 and 815). Thesecond adapter 405 may also send an acknowledgement signal.

In another example, the personal mobile device 128 pairs the firstadapter 120 and the second adapter 405. The personal mobile device 128and the first adapter 120 form a wireless communication link. The firstadapter 120 broadcasts a pairing identification signal over the wirelesscommunication link, which is detected by the personal mobile device 128.The pairing identification signal may be sent in response to a requestfrom the personal mobile device 128. The personal mobile device 128 andthe second adapter 405 then form a wireless communication link. Thepersonal mobile device 128 then sends pairing instructions to the secondadapter 405 over the wireless communication link. In response, thesecond adapter 405 pairs to the first adapter (e.g., by storing anidentity of the first adapter 120 in the memory 635 for matchingpurposes in block 715 and 815).

The personal mobile device 128, in some embodiments, is furtherconfigured to set and adjust the control actions to be executed inblocks 720 and 820 by the second adapter 405. For example, in additionto the pairing instructions sent by the personal mobile device 128 tothe second adapter 405, the personal mobile device 128 sendsconfiguration data that adjusts the control actions stored in the memory635. The personal mobile device 128 may provide a graphical userinterface enabling receipt of user input that selects the particularconfiguration data (and, thereby, the control actions).

Additionally, the personal mobile device 128 may unpair the firstadapter 120 and the second adapter 405, and pair the first adapter 120with a different adapter (another instance of the second adapter 405associated with another instance of the second electronic tool 400).

Additionally, in some embodiments, the broadcast activation anddeactivation signals of the methods 700 and 800 may be detected bymultiple second adapters 405, each associated with a respective secondelectronic tool 400, in block 715 and 815. In response, in blocks 720and 820, each respective second adapter 405 controls the associatedsecond electronic tool 400.

In some embodiments, the first and second adapters switch roles in themethods 700 and 800 (and the various alternative embodiments discussedin relation to the methods 700 and 800). For example, the second adapter405 performs the detection of the second electronic tool 400 andbroadcasting in blocks 705, 710, 805, and 810, and the first adapter 102performs the detecting and controlling of the first electronic tool 115in blocks 715, 720, 815, and 820. Additionally, in such embodiments, thesource identifier(s) and control action(s) are stored in the memory 535of the first adapter 120.

As noted above, the first adapter 120 is removably coupled to the firstelectronic tool (see, e.g., FIGS. 1, 2A, and 3) and, in someembodiments, the second adapter 405 is removably coupled to the secondelectronic tool 400 (see, e.g., FIG. 4A). The removable nature of theseadapters enables connection to various types of electronic tools. Thus,a user is able to pair electronic tools by coupling paired adapters tothese electronic tools, respectively (or coupling and then pairing theadapters, as described above). This pairing ability, which can occurafter purchase and multiple times throughout the life of the adapters inthe field, provides flexibility to a user.

We claim:
 1. A system for a power tool in control of a vacuum operation,the system comprising: a power tool that includes a power toolactivation input, a first power interface, a first motor for drivingoperation of the power tool, a first wireless communication hardware, afirst pairing button, and a first electronic controller including afirst electronic processor that is communicatively coupled to a firstmemory, the power tool activation input, the first motor, and the firstwireless communication hardware, wherein the first memory of the powertool includes instructions that, when executed by the first electronicprocessor, cause the first electronic controller to: in response toinput received via the power tool activation input, control the firstmotor and transmit a control signal via the first wireless communicationhardware; and a vacuum that includes a vacuum power enable input, asuction inlet connectable to the power tool, a second power interface, asecond motor for driving operation of the vacuum, a second wirelesscommunication hardware, a second pairing button for wirelessly pairingthe vacuum and the power tool for wireless communication, a secondelectronic controller including a second electronic processor that iscommunicatively coupled to a second memory, the vacuum enable input, thesecond motor, the second wireless communication hardware, and the secondpairing button, wherein the second memory of the vacuum includesinstructions that, when executed by the second electronic processor,cause the second electronic controller to: in response to receiving thecontrol signal via the second wireless communication hardware of thevacuum, control the second motor.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thepower tool further comprises a first switch connected between the firstpower interface and the first motor of the power tool, wherein the firstswitch is controlled by the first electronic processor to supply powerfrom the first power interface to the first motor, and wherein the firstpower interface of the power tool includes a battery pack interface forreceiving a battery pack.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the vacuumfurther comprises a second switch connected between the second powerinterface of the vacuum and the second motor, wherein the second switchis controlled by the second electronic processor to supply power fromthe second power interface to the second motor, and wherein the secondpower interface of the vacuum includes a battery pack interface forreceiving a battery pack.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein, in responseto actuation of the first pairing button, the first electronic processorof the power tool broadcasts a pairing identification signal and thesecond electronic processor of the vacuum detects the pairingidentification signal and sends an acknowledgement to the power tool,and wherein the vacuum stores power tool identifiers in the secondmemory for authorizing the control signal received from the power tool.5. The system of claim 1, wherein, prior to transmitting the controlsignal to the vacuum, the first electronic processor of the power toolreceives input via the first pairing button and wirelessly pairs withthe second electronic processor of the vacuum for wireless communicationbetween the power tool and the vacuum.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein, in response to actuation of the second pairing button, thevacuum broadcasts a pairing identification signal and the power tooldetects the pairing identification signal and sends an acknowledgementto the vacuum.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein, in response to theinput received via the power tool activation input, the first electronicprocessor is configured to switch on power to the first motor fordriving operation of the power tool, and in response to receiving thecontrol signal, the second electronic controller is configured to switchon power to the second motor for driving operation of the vacuum.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein, in response to the input received via thepower tool activation input, the first electronic processor isconfigured to switch off power to the first motor for driving operationof the power tool, and in response to receiving the control signal, thesecond electronic processor is configured to switch off power to thesecond motor for driving operation of the vacuum.
 9. The system of claim1, wherein the power tool includes one or more of a drill, a saw, agrinder, a hammer, a wrench, a sander, a cutter, a gun, a trimmer, amower, and a water pump.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising afirst adapter that includes at least the first wireless communicationhardware, the first electronic controller, and the first pairing button,and the first adapter is removably coupled to the power tool orintegrated within the power tool; and a second adapter that includes atleast the second wireless communication hardware, the second electroniccontroller, and the second pairing button, and the second adapter isremovably coupled to the vacuum or integrated within the vacuum.
 11. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a second vacuum including a thirdmotor and configured to detect the control signal from the power tooland, in response to receiving the control signal, control the thirdmotor.
 12. A method for a power tool in control of a vacuum operation,the method comprising: in response to actuation of a pairing button of avacuum, broadcasting, by the vacuum, a pairing identification signal;detecting, by the power tool, the pairing identification signal;pairing, by the vacuum and the power tool, based on detecting thepairing identification signal; in response to receiving input via apower tool activation input, controlling, by a first electronicprocessor of the power tool, a first motor for driving operation of thepower tool, and transmitting, by the first electronic processor, acontrol signal via a first wireless communication hardware to thevacuum, wherein the first electronic processor is communicativelycoupled to a first memory; and in response to receiving the controlsignal via a second wireless communication hardware of the vacuum,controlling, by a second electronic processor of the vacuum, a secondmotor for driving operation of the vacuum wherein the second electronicprocessor is communicatively coupled to a second memory.
 13. The methodof claim 12, further comprising controlling by the first electronicprocessor, a first switch to supply power from a first power interfaceto the first motor, wherein the first switch is connected between thefirst power interface and the first motor of the power tool, and whereinthe first power interface of the power tool includes a battery packinterface for receiving a battery pack.
 14. The method of claim 12 ,further comprising controlling by the second electronic processor, asecond switch to supply power from a second power interface to thesecond motor, wherein the second switch is connected between the secondpower interface of the vacuum and the second motor, and wherein thesecond power interface of the vacuum includes a battery pack interfacefor receiving a battery pack.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein, inresponse to actuation of a first pairing button of the power tool, thefirst electronic processor broadcasts a pairing identification signaland the second electronic processor of the vacuum detects the pairingidentification signal and sends an acknowledgement to the power tool,and wherein the vacuum stores power tool identifiers in the secondmemory for authorizing vacuum control signals from the power tool. 16.The method of claim 12, wherein the pairing by the vacuum and the powertool further includes, prior to transmitting the control signal to thevacuum, the first electronic processor of the power tool receiving inputvia a first pairing button of the power tool.
 17. The method of claim12, wherein, in response to detecting the pairing identification signal,the power tool sends an acknowledgement to the vacuum.
 18. The method ofclaim 12, wherein, in response to the input received via the power toolactivation input, the first electronic processor switches on power tothe first motor for driving operation of the power tool, and in responseto receiving the control signal, the second electronic controllerswitches on power to the second motor for driving operation of thevacuum.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein in response to the inputreceived via the power tool activation input, the first electronicprocessor switches off power to the first motor for driving operation ofthe power tool, and in response to receiving the control signal, thesecond electronic processor switches off power to the second motor fordriving operation of the vacuum.
 20. A system for controlling operationof a second electronic tool in response to communication from a firstelectronic tool, the system comprising: a first electronic tool thatincludes a user input, a first motor for driving operation of the firstelectronic tool, a first wireless communication hardware, and a firstelectronic controller including a first electronic processor that iscommunicatively coupled to a first memory, the user input, the firstmotor, and the first wireless communication hardware, wherein the firstelectronic controller is configured to: in response to input receivedvia the user input, control, by the first electronic processor, thefirst motor for driving operation of the first electronic tool andtransmit, by the first wireless communication hardware, a controlsignal; and a second electronic tool that includes a second electronictool power enable input, a second motor for driving operation of thesecond electronic tool, a second wireless communication hardware, apairing button for wirelessly pairing the second electronic tool and thefirst electronic tool for wireless communication, and a secondelectronic controller including a second electronic processor that iscommunicatively coupled to a second memory, the second tool power enableinput, the second motor, the second wireless communication hardware, andthe pairing button, wherein the second electronic controller isconfigured to: in response to receiving the control signal via thesecond wireless communication hardware of the second electronic tool,control, by the second electronic processor, the second motor fordriving operation of the second electronic tool.
 21. The system of claim20, wherein, in response to the input received via the user input, thefirst electronic processor is configured to switch on power to the firstmotor for driving operation of the first electronic tool, in response toreceiving the control signal, the second electronic processor isconfigured to switch on power to the second motor for driving operationof the second electronic tool, in response to a second input receivedvia the user input, the first electronic processor is configured toswitch off power to the first motor for driving operation of the firstelectronic tool, and to transmit, via the first wireless communicationhardware, a second control signal, and, in response to receiving thesecond control signal, via the second wireless communication hardware,the second electronic processor is configured to switch off power to thesecond motor for driving operation of the second electronic tool. 22.The system of claim 20, wherein the first electronic tool furtherincudes a first pairing button, and prior to transmitting the controlsignal to the second electronic device, receives input via the firstpairing button and wirelessly pairs the first electronic tool and thesecond electronic tool for wireless communication.
 23. The system ofclaim 20, wherein the first electronic tool is a power tool and thesecond electronic tool is a vacuum.
 24. The system of claim 20, furthercomprising a first adapter that includes at least the first wirelesscommunication hardware, the first electronic controller, and a firstpairing button, and the first adapter is removably coupled to orintegrated within the first electronic tool; and a second adapter thatincludes at least the second wireless communication hardware, the secondelectronic controller, and the pairing button, and the second adapter isremovably coupled to the second electronic tool.
 25. The system of claim20, further comprising a second electronic tool including a third motorand configured to detect the control signal from the first electronictool and, in response to receiving the control signal, control the thirdmotor.